Tony Ferguson mentioned he believes he’s the true UFC light-weight champ if he beats Justin Gaethje on Saturday, regardless of the interim title label connected to the struggle. The contenders meet in the principle occasion of UFC 249 at Vystar Veterans Memorial Area in Jacksonville. The highest-rated Ferguson noticed a doable unification bout towards sitting champion Khabib Nurmagomedov go by the wayside due to journey bans associated to the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, Ferguson turns his consideration to the highly effective Gaethje. The fourth-ranked light-weight is the previous World Sequence of Combating champ looking for his first piece of a UFC belt and headlines the UFC 249 struggle card. Ferguson is a -190 favourite (threat $190 to win $100), whereas Gaethje is a +160 underdog within the newest UFC 249 odds at William Hill. Within the co-main occasion, champion Henry Cejudo (-220) defends the bantamweight crown towards Dominick Cruz (+180). Earlier than you lock in any picks for the UFC 249 card, be sure to try the most recent UFC predictions from SportsLine MMA analyst Kyle Marley.

Marley gained the first-ever “ToutMaster” UFC betting contest sponsored by MMAOddsBreaker and in addition seems recurrently on a number of MMA betting and DFS reveals. Over the previous 12 months, $100 bettors who’ve adopted Marley’s picks are up practically $19,000.

At UFC 248, Marley advised SportsLine members to anticipate middleweight champion Israel Adesanya (-275) to retain his title towards Yoel Romero (+235) by unanimous determination. He argued that Adesanya would choose Romero aside on the toes and was confirmed appropriate, because the champ dominated the motion with leg kicks whereas dodging Romero’s explosive energy. Additionally, Marley went a surprising 9-2-1 at UFC Combat Evening 170, the final UFC occasion. Anybody who has constantly adopted Marley is approach up.

Gaethje vs. Ferguson preview

Marley is aware of the 36-year-old Ferguson (25-3) is available in on a 12-fight profitable streak and hasn’t misplaced since Could 2012. He’s revered for his fearlessness and talent to win by way of a wide range of MMA disciplines. Six of his final eight victories have come by stoppage, together with a TKO of Donald Cerrone final 12 months and a submission of Anthony Pettis in October 2018. The highest-ranked Ferguson briefly held the interim belt after beating Kevin Lee by submission in October 2017.

Ferguson faces a problem from the No. 4-ranked Gaethje (21-2), the previous World Sequence of Combating champion who has been ready for a title alternative amid a crowded division. It’s believed the winner of the Could 9 most important occasion will get to problem the Russian champ for the unified title.

Prime UFC 249 predictions

We’ll share certainly one of Marley’s UFC 249 predictions right here: He’s backing Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone (+130) to get one of the best of Anthony Pettis (-150) in a welterweight battle.

Each embellished UFC veterans are in want of a victory to assist reverse current slides. The 33-year-old Pettis gained the light-weight title in 2013 and had one profitable protection earlier than dropping it to Rafael Dos Anjos. Since, he has fluctuated between being a fringe contender at each the light-weight and welterweight divisions. Pettis surprised the MMA world together with his “Superman” punch knockout of top-rated contender Stephen Thompson in March 2019, however has since misplaced two straight and 5 of his final eight total.

Cerrone is on an identical trajectory. The 37-year-old UFC icon noticed his inventory soar following a three-fight win streak, however there at the moment are questions on his future with the promotion following three consecutive stoppage losses. He was memorably knocked out by Conor McGregor in 40 seconds in January in maybe the worst exhibiting of his profession.

“If this struggle goes all three rounds, I like Cowboy to get his hand raised,” Marley advised SportsLine.

Easy methods to make UFC 249 picks

Marley additionally has robust picks for Ferguson vs. Gaethje and each different bout on the UFC 249 card. He is additionally backing one man who’s “the scariest fighter alive.” You’ll be able to solely see each choose for each UFC struggle right here.